An Irmo angler on the
Broad River near Columbia recently broke the South Carolina state
record for bullhead catfish by more than 3 ounces with a 6-pound,
6.3 ounce fish.
George Eleazer, from Irmo, S.C, was on the Broad River Wednesday,
April 1 when he caught the record fish. Eleazer took the fish to a
Food Lion on the Peak Exit just off I-26 north of Irmo and had the
fish weighed on state certified scales at 6-pounds, 6.3 ounces. The
bullhead catfish was certified officially as the new state record by
Hal Beard, regional fisheries biologist for the S.C. Department of
Natural Resources (DNR) in Columbia. The fish had a total length of
27 inches.
Eleazer's fish replaces the South Carolina all-tackle record for
freshwater bullhead catfish caught on the Edisto River in 1973.
Anglers who think they have a new state or world record freshwater
fish should take it as soon as possible to the nearest set of state
certified scales - such as grocery store scales. Two people at least
18 years old should witness the weighing of a potential state record
fish. The witnesses will need to sign a state affidavit form once
the angler obtains it from the DNR, so be sure to get the witnesses'
addresses and phone numbers.
If you think you've caught a state record fish, take immediate steps
to preserve the fish until a state fisheries biologist can verify
it. It can be placed on ice, but freezing is preferred. Lightly wet
the fish and wrap it in a dark, plastic bag. If possible, take a
picture of the fish while it is still fresh for additional
documentation.
Check out the other
South
Carolina Saltwater Fishing Records |
